One killed, another injured as tension rises in Trans Mara

Armed locals keep vigil at Pimbinyiet on the border of Trans Mara East and Trans Mara West Sub-Counties on July 14, 2016 following a man was killed on Wednesday night raising tension between neighbouring communities. PHOTO | RUTH MBULA | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • The incident has stoked tension between members of two communities living in the two sub-counties who had been fighting in the recent past over a contested piece of land along the common border.
  • Trans Mara West Deputy County Commissioner Mr Mericho Maina said the motive of the attackers was yet to be ascertained saying investigations had been launched.

A man was shot dead while another injured on Wednesday night when gunmen laid an ambush at Pimbinyiet at the border of Trans Mara East and Trans Mara West Sub-Counties.

The incident has stoked tension between members of two communities living in the two sub-counties who had been fighting in the recent past over a contested piece of land along the common border.

At least two, among them a pupil, have died in the recent past due to the skirmishes.

Police said the attackers struck at around 9pm armed with guns, arrows and swords.

A survivor told the Nation by phone that the raiders had stormed a cafeteria at the shopping centre where they ambushed clients.

“They immediately started shooting at us and we scampered for safety but some of my colleagues were not lucky enough,” he said on condition of anonymity.

The attackers later fled on foot after the raid.

Trans Mara West Deputy County Commissioner Mr Mericho Maina said the motive of the attackers was yet to be ascertained saying investigations had been launched.

“We call for calm as we dig deeper into the issue,” said Mr Maina.

He warned residents against retaliatory attacks saying such a move would only escalate violence and tension.

Following the attack, Trans Mara West security committee held an impromptu meeting to deliberate on the matter.

“We ask the residents to put to an end the retaliatory attacks and embrace peace,” Julius Ole Maki,” the committee chair said.

He condemned the attack saying it was a breach of a peace deal they had agreed last month.

The area has witnessed perennial fights between the two communities over land.

Learning at Tagitech Primary School in the area only resumed recently after two primary school going children had their necks severed by a group of armed raiders.

One of them succumbed while the other is still undergoing treatment at Kisii Level Five hospital.

A middle aged man was killed in the ensuing conflict between the neighbouring communities.

Security heads from Trans Mara West said land officers will visit the scene to help end the conflict of the contested piece of land.